Pure Pool

Pure Pool's greatest trick is its immediacy. Once the table is in front of you, you can just play over and over and over with no wait. With a variety of game modes to try out and the online suite there's plenty to keep you entertained, but while it may be a near-perfect simulation of pool, it doesn't come close to playing the real thing. People buy Gran Turismo because they're never going to be a racing driver or own a Ferrari. You can go down the local and pay 50p for a game of pool with your mates. Just saying.

A decent pool model that tends towards natural-style simulation, let down by several minor annoyances and one crippling problem. It's a multiplayer-leaning title, and Pure Pool's PC server troubles mean any online play is currently a non-starter.

VooFoo can chalk this down as another successful adaptation, as Pure Pool proves to be an enjoyable and astoundingly well presented interpretation of arguably the greatest pub pastime. The tutorials and help sections should get newcomers up to speed, while the 'Pro' difficulty will definitely test veterans. There are a few difficulty issues which prevent it from hitting a perfect break, but the stripped back interface and immersive atmosphere mean that it certainly won't be snookering you tonight.

Pure Pool offers a beautiful and accurate game of pool, featuring a large amount of various games types and difficulties to accommodate all players. The network works enough to get the job done, but there are a great deal of flaws that keep the servers from being a constant stomping ground. Regardless of the online issues, Pure Pool has a great sense of progression that embodies a stellar pool mechanic only beaten by actually playing pool.

While Pure Pool is a great pool simulator, the problems I had left me feeling snookered. If those issues could be ironed out, and multiplayer fixed with a proper matchmaking tool, it would honestly be a solid title to spend6.0 some time with. For now though, I've just resorted to keeping it in windowed mode, taking my shots now and then between the other games I play.

Had Hustle Kings not existed, Pure Pool could've been considered an essential pool product, as it feels great while in practice mode and looks like a winner. Unfortunately, it's a huge step back from VooFoo's previous effort, and the inability to skip your AI's inhuman actions, shift around the jukebox selection or even get an overhead view of what's happening may be too hard for some pool sharks to take. Try it out first, if you can, before you consider buying the table.

If you want a pool title for your PlayStation 4, this is currently the only game in town. It does have some problems and is missing some features, but due to its budget price and solid gameplay, I still recommend Pure Pool to anyone willing to look past its blemishes.

Pure Pool is, more or less, everything a billiards fan could ask for. It is pure simulation at its best. The physics are spot-on accurate – any missed shot is entirely the shooter's fault. The ambiance is entirely convincing, with a soundtrack to match. Of course, the graphics are so incredibly life-like, you may actually be disappointed with how dull of a shine your average real-life pool balls usually have. While the game is a little lacking in explanations, it's not very hard to figure out by just poking around. At $9-$13 depending on if you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription, this is a no-brainer for billiards buffs. Those of you who are new or rusty to the game should definitely consider picking this up to hone your skills without the embarrassment that can accompany being absolutely walloped by the local pool shark.

Playing with a friend, either locally or online has been my highlight with Pure Pool. Being able to adjust the angles and power of your shots feels smooth without the restraint of on-screen meters. The way the balls react to the other balls on the table, reflect the lighting of the bar, as well as tuck neatly into pockets and softly touch the edges of the table is satisfying. At any point in a game, you are able to instantly update the color and decals of the table, as well as your pool cue (once unlocked). Pure Pool is a great addition to the Pure series, and the most realistic pool game to date.

Time trials, speed potting and high score challenges all sit alongside the game's main career mode, and while they're all perfectly serviceable game types, it's Pure Pool's multiplayer that really stops the repetitive nature of the game from sticking its claws in.

The beauty of pool is that there is no story to plough through, no defined ending to strive towards - other than winning the current match - and this very essence is captured perfectly in Pure Pool. It's just the tale of a man with a stick and some balls getting down to business on a table...!

The attention to detail and the graphics of the game make it a solid entry in the genre, but the title also suffers from some issues when it comes to the control players have over their shots and the way the PC port works.

Pure Pool isn't perfect, there are a few minor niggles, such as a lack of a replay option for when you hit that perfect shot, or get extremely fluky. It would also be nice to see some of the other pool variation included, because as it is, it feels very bare in that regard. However, as an actual simulation of pool, VooFoo studios can be very proud of what they have created. They are the current kings of the pool hall.

From the photorealistic detail, realistic pool physics, and an approach where you can just sit down and play without going through a hundred options, Pure Pool offers bang for your buck. It's challenging from the start, but in a way that promotes your growth, you will want to get better in order to beat your opponents. If only the online was a little more real-time, I would be inclined to give this a perfect score.